3 things to watch for in Sunday's big GAA matches
Cork were slated in both the local and national media in the aftermath of their woeful performance against Waterford in the NHL Division 1 final.
The Rebels managed just 0-17 and were out-witted tactically all over the field as Derek McGrath’s gameplan was implemented to good effect by his players.
Waterford posted a credible 1-24 on the scoreboard but for the substandard use of possession and shot selection they could have marched to a victory much greater than 10 points which is a frightening concept if you are a Leesider.
In saying that, there is a viable counter-argument to the notion and that is Cork were unfortunate not to convert two extremely decent goalscoring opportunities on the day into catalysts to ignite their laboured challenge.
Yet, in the five weeks since, the Déise have lost Pauric Mahony and this simple fact actually could be game-defining.
It’s the obvious shout and we are loath to point to these well-documented elements as there is more interest in illustrating fresh angles to the arguments posted in the media each week.
However, Mahony’s unavailability is a factor you just cannot get away from ahead of this provincial semi-final.
And it is not just because his free-taking is exemplary as his contributions in open play in terms of linking possession and creating space are outstanding too.
Furthermore, Jimmy Barry-Murphy’s side, from what journalists are gathering, are a team in advance of this tie with a chip of sorts on their shoulders, the best way to prepare for any encounter.
Cork are sick of being criticised as a unit that falls short on the grandest of occasions and are determined to produce a rock-solid display in Thurles.
There is one significant drawback for the Leesiders though. Seamus Harnedy, though listed in the starting line-up, may be on the bench for the throw-in and even if he does begin the tie the management are unsure as to how long he will last.
Still, Cork might just overcome that.
Verdict: Cork.
Liam Dunne’s Wexford were running on empty last year by the time they met Limerick in the All-Ireland SHC quarter-final in Thurles and were understandably dismissed by the Treatymen.
However, the Slaneysiders begin their Leinster SHC title quest in Mullingar tomorrow and it will be interesting to see how ruthless they will be against inferior opponents.
Michael Ryan’s Westmeath are entitled to be positive and quietly confident within their own group.
Still, if people do not think Dunne’s outfit have one eye on a meeting with Kilkenny two weeks later in Nowlan Park they would be only fooling themselves.
Westmeath may have done extremely well in the round-robin series in the province but it is one thing defeating Carlow and, albeit more notably, Antrim but it is another story entirely trying to send Wexford, in their current guise, into the All-Ireland qualifiers.
At the risk of sounding harsh to the Lake County, this is more about how efficient Wexford can be in attack in preparation for a tilt at Kilkenny.
Additionally, Wexford could be the fly in the All-Ireland title-chasing ointment.
Verdict: Wexford.
The fact both Marty Clarke, unavailable due to Addison’s Disease, and Benny Coulter (retired) are no longer in the mix for Down has left present boss Jim McCorry without two of the most talented attackers in the country.
Clever movers like Mark Poland remain but Down are still developing under McCorry’s gaze.
They will compete again in Division 1 of the league next year and so are making progress.
There exists a greater level of steeliness to their make-up as well now but home advantage for Derry could stand to them, just!
Verdict: Derry.
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